Oregano-braised lamb shanks

1 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
6Lamb shanks (about 1 pound each)
2tablespoonsGround cumin
1tablespoonSalt
2teaspoonsFreshly ground black pepper
Flour for dredging
¾cupVegetable oil
2Onions, cut into 8 wedges each
3Carrots, peeled and cut into, 2-inch lengths
1Head garlic, cloves separated, peeled and, halved lengthwis
2bunchesOregano, stems and leaves separated,, leaves chopped
2cupsDry white wine
2tablespoonsTomato paste
quartChicken stock
5Bay leaves
3mediumsTomatoes, cored, seeded and, diced
6ouncesAnejo cheese, grated, (1 1/2 cups)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Wash the lamb and pat dry. Sprinkle the shanks all over with the cumin, salt and pepper. Roll the shanks in flour to coat well and pat off any excess.

Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until almost smoking. Cook the shanks, in batches if necessary, until golden brown all over, about 10 minutes. Remove and reserve. In the same oil, saute the onions and carrots until they begin to brown, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic and saute about 4 minutes longer. Remove with a slotted spoon, and then carefully pour off all the fat.

Place the shanks back in the pan. Cover with the browned vegetables and the oregano stems and pour in the wine. Bring to a boil over high heat and reduce the liquid by half. Stir in the tomato paste, chicken stock and bay leaves, cover and bring to a boil.

Transfer to the oven and bake 1½ hours, or until tender. A fork plunged into the thickest part should slide out easily. Remove from the oven, lift out the meat and keep warm. Lift out the vegetables and discard.

Skim and discard the fat from the stock in the pan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the tomatoes and oregano leaves and remove from the heat. To serve, in each soup bowl place a lamb shank. Top with the hot broth and sprinkle with the cheese.

Yield: 6 serving

Posted to MC-Recipe Digest V1 #325 Recipe by: TOO HOT TAMALES SHOW #TH6136 From: Meg Antczak <meginny@...> Date: Sun, 1 Dec 1996 22:57:07 -0500